Eleocharis
Spike rush
- Height × spread
- 0.3m – 1.5m × 0.5m – 1m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 150 species of spike rush, both annual and perennial forms, and these are found growing over large parts of the world. There are a good number of species that enjoy growing in shallow water at the edge of ponds or rivers. It is these forms that are generally seen in cultivation. They have slender rounded stems and picturesque flowering and fruity heads in shades of brown that can, in some cases, look like hovering insects (Eleocharis acicularis for example). They are valued for their upright growth habit although some forms are very compact. The tiny Eleocharis parvula has slender stems that look like elegant but unkempt hair and stands a mere 5cm in height. The genus includes the water chestnut, Eleocharis dulcis. Some plants are a good food source for non-human creatures.
- Flower colour
- Brown, Pink
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cube
- Height
- 0.3m – 1.5m
- Spread
- 0.5m – 1m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Water garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Water depth
- Up to 5cm
- Use for
- Ground cover
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring · Outdoors
Feed with aquatic plant food
As the plant is grown in water, feed with an aquatic feed as directed on the packet. Do not exceed the amounts given as this can affect the water.
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water frequently to keep the soil moist
The plant thrives in moist or boggy soil, doesn't tolerate dryness and should be watered frequently, not only after a period of drought, but if the soil begins to dry out spring to autumn. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.